Message from the Information Commissioner on International Day for Universal Access to Information and Right to Know Week
On September 28, we mark UNESCO International Day for Universal Access to Information, which also coincides with the beginning of Right to Know Week in Canada.
Access to information enables citizens to better understand the decisions made on their behalf, participate meaningfully in public debate, and hold institutions accountable. The hundreds of thousands of access to information requests made each year reflect the public’s interest in government activities and the management of public resources.
A transparent government is not merely an administrative objective; it is an essential condition for accountability, informed public debate and public confidence in democratic institutions. Preserving the broadest possible right of access, while protecting genuinely sensitive information, remains the most effective way to maintain that confidence.
As we navigate a defining period in our history, Canadians look to public institutions for leadership, integrity and transparency. The right of access to information belongs to all Canadians. It is a cornerstone of a strong democracy and a powerful expression of the openness, accountability and trust that underpin our society.
However, access to information does not depend solely on legislation and processes. It also relies on sound information management. Effective practices for maintaining and managing records, regardless of their format, enhance transparency and help institutions respond to access requests in a timely manner. To support these efforts, the Office of the Information Commissioner recently published 5 tips for ATIP-friendly management of email, text and instant messages, a practical resource that helps institutions comply with their obligations under the Access to Information Act.
As Information Commissioner of Canada, I am entrusted with safeguarding Canadians’ right of access to information through independent oversight. This includes making recommendations to strengthen the right of access when the Government is considering changes to the law. More than ever, access to information remains an essential tool for promoting transparency, strengthening public trust and supporting a healthy democracy. While a strong legislative framework is required to attain this objective, meaningful access to information also relies on a culture of transparency and sound information management practices across public institutions.
Caroline Maynard
Information Commissioner of Canada